In this activity you will learn how to participate effectively in conversations with native speakers of English.

_____ 1. You will prepare to interview a Willamette student to ask her/him about:

• how to start a conversation
• appropriate topics/inappropriate topics
• American conversation styles
• how to close a conversation

_____ 2. We will form three groups - one group for each of the above topic areas. In your group, brainstorm for a few minutes and develop 2 or 3 questions to ask in order to get information about your topic.

_____ 3. Each member of the group should find a different Willamette student and ask them the questions. Review the Tips for Interviewing before you do so. Please tape record your interview.

_____ 4. When you have finished your interview, on your own, listen carefully to your tape recorded interview and complete the interview analysis form.

_____ 5. In class, get back into your groups and share the information you collected:

• Play your tape (no longer than about 5 minutes)
• Share the answers you wrote down
• Share the observations you wrote down.
• Discuss together with the others in your group what all of you learned about your group's topic. Also, discuss together what you noticed about how the Willamette student made conversation with you.